You are here

Biting (Cockatiels)

This is an early article, written when Mickaboo was originally Mickaboo Cockatiel Rescue. So, while much of it can be applied to other species, it focuses on Cockatiels.

Parrots are prey animals, not predatory animals. Their beaks are used to explore, communicate, and groom, they were not designed as aggressive weapons. A prey animal would rarely offensively attack for no reason.

We will soon have a more extensive article on biting and a class on bird behavior and training. In the meantime, here are some things to consider:

Beaks are an integral part of a bird's body and are often used like a hand, to test things out

In their natural environment, birds use their beaks to warn flock mates, but beaking at feathers does not break skin

Biting in pet birds is often a "learned behavior" from being improperly handled or misunderstood, and became the last resort for the bird to try to communicate fear or dislike

Bites often result from ignored warning signs that the bird had previously been trying to communicate